I have always been a bit biased against Massive Attack, having until just very recently listened to only their 1998 album, Mezzanine, which is widely regarded as the band's best album. Upon first hearing the aforementioned album, I was almost put off by the refined, sterile quality of the music. I found it to be boring, somewhat generic, easy-listening electronica. Because of my feelings regarding this album, it really put me off from checking out the group's debut album, Blue Lines, which, since hearing for the first time only very recently, has become one of my favorite albums. This album is nothing like Massive Attack's later work, and has a more organic feel that doesn't quite call to mind electronic music, but an eclectic blend of hip-hop, soul, reggae, dance music and electronic. This type of music would come to be popularly known as trip hop. The energy this album exudes is nothing like what is heard on their following two albums. Some of the beats and bass lines on here are second to none, and the album holds together from beginning to end with literally not a single dull spot. This album sounds way ahead of its time, and to me sounds fresh even today. This album is the ultimate chill out album, and to me it really defines what I would consider a "cool" sounding album that has aged extremely well. The more I listen to this album, the more I like it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dNfPq4SEd4"]Massive Attack - Blue Line - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_pg29keUCU"]Massive Attack - Five Man Army - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0MYYQ0ymYo"]Massive Attack- Safe From Harm - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TrishCMmpc"]Massive Attack ft Horace Andy - Hymn Of The Big Wheel - (Blue Lines) - YouTube
Yes Blue Lines is a really great album. I agree with you that it feels ahead of it's time and it seems like an album from a seasoned group, doesn't feel like a debut release. Some very soulful and chill melodies. I really enjoy Mezzanine quite a bit as well too, I find that album exhibits a paranoid melancholy erotiscm, more bleak and desolate than Blue Lines.
